You know what tomorrow is. And let me repeat, you’re more than invited to participate – in any way you choose. Support is key.
I am currently spending my morning trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach and reminding myself that I can do this – that I’ve prepared for it as much as I can.
- I’ve done the training runs.
I know for a fact that my body can go up to 20 miles and still function. At least minimally.
- I’ve got the fuel.
I’ve been carbing up and hydrating all week, and I’m prepared for a delicious pasta dinner tonight.
- I’ve got the tunes.
Thanks to your contributions the other day, I have more than enough music to power me through 26.2. And some that I’ll be playing on repeat.
- I’ve got a support system.
When we signed up for this race, one of the required sections asks, “Will you be met by someone on-site post-race?” And if you answer “yes,” the response fills in with “YES – I will have a support group.” When I registered, I didn’t realize why this was a necessary field. Now, even after just training runs, I completely understand why it’s so important.
It’s so someone can catch you when your knees buckle.
Even though I know what a marathon does to your body, and it’s not good, I am so SO excited to do this. And to end this “psych up” on a truly motivational (cheesy?) note, I’ll leave you with a few of my favorite Runner’s World quotes, that will probably be running through my head as I, well, run:
- It should make us proud to know we are part of a running lineage that stretches back from the original Olympic Games in 776 BC to this very moment. ~Michael Sandrock
- I don’t train to beat another runner. We are out there together, competing with the marathon, and I train to run the marathon as fast as I can. ~Juma Ikangaa
And, if all else fails:
- Act like a horse. Be dumb. Just run. ~Jumbo Elliot
Thank you guys for all your support, have a great weekend, and I’ll see you post-26.2!
I think a great boondock saints phrase comes into play here. “Make like a tree and get the **** outta here.”
And wouldn’t you know, Boondock Saints is one of my favorite movies!
stumbled across your blog and just want to say good luck tomorrow! there’s something so amazing about crossing the finish line in a marathon and nothing can compare to that first one! i’m from dc originally and was up there last october to run the marine corp marathon and it’s such an amazing city to run through. enjoy every step along the way! good luck!
Thanks! We did the Marine Corps 10K last year and it was amazing. With any luck we’ll be doing the full this year.
The support system also needs to be there to point you in the direction of food and water, put on your space-blanket, drive you home, help you limp, listen to your Cloud-9-Runner’s-High rambles about every Single Mile *and* to cheers you tomorrow night!
17 hrs, 13 min, 5 sec
Mm…space blanket…maybe we should wear those out with our medals?
Have fun! It’s gonna be a great day to race!
Best of luck, Chica! Visualize yourself crossing the finish line in fine form!